Though the congregation has a long history helping to develop, facilitate and support programs of compassion, justice and mercy that enhance the lives of people in Nicaragua, that work was intensified for a 12-member, multi-generational team that went to the central American country in February to visit United Methodist projects, deliver material aid and learn about indigenous communities and the global economy.

The Rev. John Mueller, of Trinity United Methodist Church, visits with a fellow clergyman in Nicaragua.

Photo by Wesley Olin

“We seek to walk with, and learn from, the people of Nicaragua, as they teach us how to be better neighbors…. Jesus (said to) love your neighbor as yourself. We are learning how to be better neighbors through trips like this,” said the Rev. John E. Mueller, church pastor and one of the participants in the trip.

“Quite simply how to better love. We bring back with us a new way of seeing the world, ourselves and our faith. We also can grow in our appreciation for the message of the gospel.”

Trinity's delegation was part of the larger "Covenant" the United Methodist Churches of New England have with Nicaragua, an intentional relationship begun in 1986.

The approximately 620 United Methodist churches of New England together support feeding programs in five Nicaraguan communities, support 13 teachers in eight primary schools, serving some 750 children, renovate school buildings, provide scholarships for children to attend school, support four sewing schools to train women -- especially single mothers -- in a marketable skill, and provide free access to basic medical and dental care. They also support work to complete water and sanitation improvements in rural communities and other community health projects.

Trinity's team went to the village of Las Mercedes, where previously more than 200 people shared six old latrines and walked a mile up a hill to get polluted water to drink.

“We went to see the newly installed spring catchment system, a chlorinated holding tank, and one spigot at each house,” Mueller said, noting that Trinity sent $17,000 to assist in the completion of this project which cost $48,200. Part of the reason for the trip was to see this finished work and celebrate with the community.

No one on the team had been to Nicaragua before, and Wesley T. Olin, at 16 the youngest Trinity participant, said he went to be more globally aware and to see a new culture.

“I learned how lucky I am on this trip. My life compared to some of the people I met is luxurious,” he said. “I learned how big an impact resources like clean water and food can be.”

He added he felt called to participate because “we are all united as human beings, and it is our moral obligation to help each other out, and by doing so we can make the world a better place.”

V. Jane Schneeloch, a retired teacher who works part time as the office manager for the Drama Studio in Springfield, participated in the Nicaragua trip because, she said, getting to know and understand others is the key to peace.

“Through none of my own doing, but the good fortune of being born to good parents, raised in a stable home, having the opportunity to receive a good education and living in a country blessed with wealth and natural resources, I have received a lot. I want to share what I can,” she said.

It cost her about $2,000 to go on the trip.

“The more we visit the people there, the more we understand their needs and how we can help. For example, while we were in Las Mercedes, we saw that the swings on their playground were broken. One couple in our group then decided to donate new swings,” she said, adding that participants hope to contribute to a preschool there too.

Casey A. Woodward, 18, another member of the Trinity group, finds joy in helping people in need.

“I'm one of those people that will make sure you're comfortable before I am," he said. "Mission trips allow me to help others and at the same time gain a broader definition of what the world is really like."

He added he feels "Humanity is beautiful, and people forget that there is still good out there.”

“The news and media drowned us under the idea that humanity is terrible. Everyday we see that someone got shot, someone getting arrested, wars, etc. We are buried by negativity of humanity,” he said.

His sentiment about the trip was echoed by others.

“These trips are a learning experience, an opportunity to ‘be neighbor’ to our sisters and brothers in another country, and they build relationships and understanding,” said Marilyn V. Paul-Lewis, the church’s coordinator of community outreach and development and logistical organizer of the trip.

The New England Conference United Methodist Church Nicaragua Covenant vision is that of a Nicaragua where all life is valued equally, and the basic rights of human dignity, health and education are available to all, as participants work toward the fullness of life.

Mueller was impressed by the hard work of the people of Las Mercedes. He learned that 33 men worked for seven days a week for two months to build the new spring catchment system.

This included carting 20,000 pounds of concrete to the site more than a mile by horseback or by hand.

“Despite these challenges, they persevered. They had hoped for a better future for their community, one where their children wouldn't become sick because of poor drinking water. They worked hard to make this vision a reality,” he said. “Their witness taught me that hope is hard work. Hope is a combination of determination, sacrifice, hard work, persistence and the grace of God. It was very inspiring.”

Woodward sees it as the responsibility of his generation to become educated, to understand and to react.

“We are taught very little about impoverished countries, and before I began the journey of learning about Nicaragua I knew very little,” he said. “I had no idea how strong the people are and what they had and have to overcome everyday of their lives. From revolutions to poverty, these people have dealt with many things in their history and I had no clue.”

He said that most people in the United States turn on a faucet and clean, drinkable water comes out.

“It’s not even a thought where my next meal comes from….I have a bed to sleep in and a roof above my head,” he said. “These simple things are things that are not even thought of, they are expected by kids around me….A huge part of the world would die for even one of these. Some kids in the world don't have water, and if they do it’s not safe. They don't know where their next meal will come from, they don't know where they will sleep at night; they don't know if they'll wake up. They live minute by minute.”

Added Schneeloch: “While sitting in my warm house in Springfield, it’s easy to think of Nicaragua as someplace far removed from my life. Now I have been there and looked into the eyes of their people and especially their children. These people are my neighbors, my sisters and brothers, and I know very clearly that I am to love my neighbor.”